DALLAS, TX – October 17, 2025 – The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC) proudly announces the graduation of the first alumni cohort from The Empowered CEO™ Institute, a groundbreaking program powered by HilltopSecurities. Over the course of five intensive weeks, this transformative initiative – aptly titled “From Wall Street to Main Street, Small Business Wealth Principles Accelerator Program” – provided entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and knowledge to build wealth, reinvest in their communities, and create generational opportunities for lasting economic impact.

Through a strategic collaboration led by Gabriela Carvallo, Vice President of Entrepreneurship Development at the GDHCC, and Cely Castillo, Multicultural Recruiting and Relationship Manager at HilltopSecurities, participants gained direct access to expertise from both organizations and industry leaders. Esteemed instructors and panelists included Hector Salomon, Diana Flores, GDHCC’s Vice -President of Strategic Initiatives, Ritonya Wilkins, Hugo Ortiz, Ricardo Cevallos, Ruth Villalonga, José de la Cruz, Kirk Fricke, Todd Wolak, Travis Cox, and Dave Pond, who shared invaluable insights on finance, investment, and entrepreneurship.

“The Empowered CEO™ Institute highlights the power of allyship and innovation,” said Carvallo. “By bringing Wall Street expertise into the hands of local entrepreneurs, we are helping to build stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger communities for generations to come.”

This program would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of Amanda Moreno-Lake GDHCC Interim President & Chairwoman of the Board, John R. Muschalek Head of Wealth Management, HilltopSecurities, and HilltopSecurities President and CEO Brad Winges, whose commitment to advancing economic mobility made this one-of-a-kind initiative possible.

“We at HilltopSecurities are honored to work with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to bring wealth-building and investing knowledge to members Dallas’ Latino community,” said Winges. “We pursue a number of initiatives to support and promote this community throughout the year, and this program is a centerpiece of those ongoing efforts.”

The GDHCC also extends its appreciation to Dallas College West Dallas Campus for hosting the program, as well as to PlainsCapital Bank and PrimeLending, who along with Hilltop Securities, are subsidiaries of Hilltop Holdings Inc., and Transamerica, for their expert contributions and support.

The graduation of this first cohort marks the beginning of a legacy program designed to uplift entrepreneurs and create a model for financial capacity-building that will echo far beyond Dallas.

About the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1939, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and growing Hispanic-owned businesses through advocacy, education, and economic development. The GDHCC remains committed to advancing prosperity and fostering community impact for future generations.

About Hilltop Securities Inc.
HilltopSecurities is a full-service municipal investment bank and wealth advisory firm providing a full suite of financial services for public entities, institutional investors, housing finance agencies, broker-dealers, and individual investors. Founded in 1946, its primary areas of focus include public finance, capital markets, structured finance, retail brokerage, clearing services, and securities lending. Hilltop Securities Inc.’s goal is to build long-term relationships to help communities, businesses, and individuals thrive. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH), HilltopSecurities’ affiliates include Momentum Independent Network, HilltopSecurities Asset Management, HilltopSecurities Insurance, PlainsCapital Bank, and PrimeLending. Learn more at HilltopSecurities.com. Member: NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
communications@gdhcc.com

Hilltop Holdings Inc.
Ben Brooks
214.252.4047
Ben.Brooks@Hilltop-Holdings.com